Magura child rape: Four accused put on remand after midnight hearing

A court in Magura has granted remand for four family members accused in the rape of an eight-year-old girl who was visiting her sister. Due to intense public outrage and security concerns following day-long protests, the accused were presented for a remand hearing late on Sunday night.

Chief Judicial Magistrate of Magura, Abdul Matin, approved a seven-day remand for the prime accused—the victim’s sister’s father-in-law. Meanwhile, the victim's sister’s husband, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law were each placed on a five-day remand.

According to court and police sources, the delay in producing the accused was due to continuous protests throughout the day. Demonstrators in Magura town demanded the death penalty for those involved, creating security risks.

The remand hearing began after midnight, with the investigating officer requesting a seven-day remand for all accused. Notably, no lawyer appeared to represent them in the hearing. When given the opportunity to defend themselves, the accused pleaded not guilty.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge granted a seven-day remand for the main accused and a five-day remand for the other three accused.